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When to Plant Celosia in Kendall County, TX

Celosia (Celosia argentea) encompasses the vivid cockscomb (cristata) and feathery plumed (plumosa) types that explode with color in summer heat. Drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, they thrive in the hottest parts of the season and produce long-lasting blooms both in the garden and as cut or dried flowers. A reliable filler in sunny annual beds.

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 2,187 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Celosia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Kendall County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Kendall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Kendall County, TX

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 16
Bloom April 27 Apr 27 – Oct 5

Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Kendall County

Growing Tips for Kendall County

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, or direct-sow after soil warms above 60°F. Does not transplant well from large pots — sow in small cells or direct-sow. Needs full sun and warm soil; cold stress causes stunting. Pinch first bloom to encourage branching. Water at the base; wet foliage encourages fungal issues. Excellent dried flower — harvest before seeds set for the best color retention.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celosia in Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.

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Your Kendall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kendall County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kendall County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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